‘Blockbuster’ Trade Proposal Sends Brandon Ingram To Grizzlies

One NBA writer proposed that the Memphis Grizzlies acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed the following mock trade between the Grizzlies and Pelicans:

The Memphis Grizzlies acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans for Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick

“Increased three-point volume would be nice to see from the now 27-year-old forward, but Ingram has plenty of other ways to contribute,” Hughes wrote in his NBA trade proposal. “He’s a stellar passer at his position, as evidenced by the 5.2 assists per game he’s averaged across five seasons with the Pels, and he can basically roll out of bed and score 20 efficient points—many of them self-created.

“Slot that skill set into the third-option role on a Memphis team that won 50-plus games in both of the seasons leading up to last year’s injury parade, and maybe there’s enough overall talent to get the Grizzlies closer to favorite status. Few teams could boast a trio of offensive weapons as good as Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Ingram, and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s potential to regain DPOY status could mean top-five efficiency marks on both ends.

“The price here is relatively low because the Pelicans are at risk of losing Ingram for nothing in 2025 free agency. Memphis is probably giving up more than a team normally would for a rental, but New Orleans still only accepts this package if it’s firmly convinced the current lack of interest in Ingram means no superior offers are coming between now and the February trade deadline.”

Ingram is one of the most talented scorers in the NBA. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Pelicans last season while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line.

A one-time All-Star, Ingram will make $36 million next season in the final year of his contract. The forward has career averages of 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Pelicans.

Ingram won the 2019-20 Most Improved Player of the Year Award. However, the Pelicans haven’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since acquiring Ingram from the Lakers in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. 

The Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season, while the Pelicans were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.